Report: Blue Jays, Athletics among teams talking to Viciedo
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos started making calls almost immediately after left fielder Michael Saunders tore his meniscus Wednesday, an injury that could sideline him until the All-Star break.
Dayan Viciedo was apparently among those who received a call from the executive.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics are among the teams talking to Viciedo, the 25-year-old outfielder who was released by the Chicago White Sox earlier this month.
Viciedo's tenure in Chicago proved disappointing, as the Cuban defector compiled a meager .250/.294/.425 line (96 OPS+) after receiving a full-time role with the club in 2012. Though he eclipsed 20 home runs in two of the last three seasons, Viciedo lacks plate discipline and remains a defensive liability in the outfield.
The Blue Jays, however, remain desperate following Saunders' injury and could pursue Viciedo as a potential platoon candidate in left field. Since his 2008 debut, Viciedo owns an .837 OPS against left-handed pitching despite struggling against southpaws last season. Both Kevin Pillar and Danny Valencia could fill this role for the Blue Jays, though, and Valencia has actually enjoyed more success against left-handers throughout his career than Viciedo.
Viciedo could also serve a similar role with the Athletics, providing a right-handed complement to Sam Fuld in left field. The Athletics, though, could simply opt to use Craig Gentry in this role as the 31-year-old owns a career .282/.364/.376 line against left-handers and offers more defensively.
The Cincinnati Reds also inquired about Viciedo after he was released by the White Sox, who are still obligated to pay him $733,000 this season.